AN UNDER-EIGHTS football team left without strips following an arson attack last year, have now got brand new kits.

Members of Hardwick Youth FC were left devastated after a fire broke out in July last year in the back of Bishopsgarth School in Stockton, where the club’s teams train.

Teams from the club took part in the Gazette’s Wish Sport campaign earlier this year to raise cash and now Tristar Homes has donated £400 towards new strips and training gear for the under-eights.

Paul Just, manager of the team, said: “After the fire, the team had to play in the under-15s’ kits, which were far too big and swamped the players.

“The new kit from Tristar looks very smart, and we look like a real force out there on the pitch with it on.

“We are very thankful to Tristar for the support they’ve given us; hopefully we can repay them by doing well this season.”

The team, which plays in the Third Division of the Durham under-eights County League, is made up of players from the local area, many of whom live in Tristar properties.

The club approached Debbie Robertson, Tristar patch manager, about sponsoring its much-needed new kit.

She then worked closely with the team to create a bid, which was submitted to the Tristar Stockton North Reaching Out Area Panel (ROAP).

Kay Glew, head of housing services at Tristar, said: “Sports clubs, such as Hardwick under-eights, are an important part of the community as they provide training, team-building experience and entertainment for local youngsters.

“We wish all the players and staff at Hardwick Youth under-eights the very best for the future and hope their new kit brings them good luck.”

Tristar Homes has four ROAPs, with members including Tristar customers and other residents from across the borough.

They enable Tristar residents to help shape the services the company provides, consider local issues and pinpoint projects where funding would improve the quality of life for local people.

Each ROAP has an annual budget of £25,000 to invest into local projects and good causes that will benefit the community.